Promoting enterprise eco-innovation through traditional ecological knowledge: the role of knowledge integration capability and knowledge-oriented leadership

Lapologang Sebaka, Shuliang Zhao and Stancey Tumiso Nkgowe

Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 2025, vol. 68, issue 13, 3249-3273

Abstract: Knowledge is a strategic resource that is required for eco-innovation. Although past research has examined different types of knowledge on enterprise eco-innovation, how traditional ecological knowledge influences enterprise eco-innovation remains understudied. This study seeks to investigate traditional ecological knowledge on eco-innovation in order to bridge the aforementioned research gap. The study also considers knowledge integrative capability as a mediator variable and knowledge-oriented leadership as a moderator variable. The proposed conceptual model was empirically tested on 294 Botswana enterprises. The study used a quantitative approach to collect and analyze data. Our results indicate that traditional ecological knowledge positively influences eco-innovation. Additionally, the study found that knowledge integrative capability mediates the relationship between traditional ecological knowledge and positively influences eco-innovation. While knowledge-oriented leadership positively moderates traditional ecological knowledge, knowledge integrative capability and eco-innovation. On the basis of our findings, we emphasize the need for businesses to harvest traditional ecological knowledge by forming strong partnerships with local communities. Further discussion is devoted to implications and future research directions.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/09640568.2024.2343336

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